Canadian veteran journalist Beverly Thomson died on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at age 61 after a prolonged battle with cancer that spanned more than two decades. Thomson passed away Sunday morning surrounded by her family, according to CTV News.
Thomson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and became an active advocate for cancer research and fundraising throughout her 23-year battle with the disease. Following her diagnosis, she successfully led fundraisers for breast cancer organizations and served as an official spokesperson for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Born and raised in the Toronto area, Thomson began her journalism career at a small radio station in Newmarket, Ontario, north of Toronto. She later worked overnight shifts at what is now known as CityNews 680 before receiving a call from a CTV manager inviting her to audition as an on-air reporter. Initially thinking the call was a prank, Thomson never showed up to the first invitation and required multiple calls before realizing it was legitimate.
Thomson’s first experience at the anchor desk came unexpectedly when the vice-president of news approached her just nine minutes before a broadcast began. The regular anchor had failed to appear, and Thomson was told she needed to fill in immediately. This impromptu debut led to her securing a position as weekend anchor at CTV News Toronto.
In 1997, Thomson moved to Global News to anchor their flagship Toronto newscast, a position she held for seven years. During her time at Global News, colleague Sean O’Shea described her as kind, caring, and professional, noting that she took her work as a journalist seriously while maintaining her sense of humor. Former Global News anchor Leslie Roberts remembered Thomson as his first Toronto co-anchor who always supported him.
Thomson returned to CTV in 2003 as co-host of the network’s morning show “Canada AM,” alongside Seamus O’Regan, Jeff Hutcheson, and Marci Ien. She remained with the program for 13 years until it concluded in 2016. Her former co-hosts described her as “a good and kind and thoughtful friend” who persevered through years of cancer treatment while continuing to work on air.
Following the end of “Canada AM,” Thomson continued her career with CTV News, contributing to the current affairs and documentary program W5 and serving as an anchor for CTV News Channel. She also co-hosted Olympic Morning with Jay Onrait during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Throughout her career spanning more than three decades, Thomson conducted high-profile interviews with politicians, celebrities, and world figures. Her notable interviews included conversations with Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Donald Trump, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield while he was aboard the International Space Station. She also covered major events including the 2016 U.S. presidential election and secured an exclusive Canadian interview with Hillary Clinton in 2014, during which she was able to get Clinton to discuss her presidential ambitions.
Thomson’s contributions to journalism earned her numerous awards and recognitions. In 2006, she received the Gemini Humanitarian Award for her advocacy and community work. Three years later, she was appointed as the first Canadian National Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In 2019, she was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions to Canada’s broadcasting industry and her volunteer work with breast cancer organizations.
Most recently, in October 2024, Thomson received a lifetime achievement award from the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada. RTDNA Canada president Lis Travers recognized Thomson as one of Canada’s most respected news personalities at the time of the award presentation.
Richard Gray, vice-president of news at Bell Media, praised Thomson’s natural on-air style and her ability to connect with viewers. He emphasized her significant impact across the country through her vocal support and advocacy for cancer charities. Gray indicated that Thomson was a trusted voice to Canadians and a valued teammate at CTV News.
Thomson is survived by her husband Rob and her two children, Taylor and Robbie. Her former “Canada AM” colleagues noted that she maintained her professionalism and determination throughout her cancer battle, always choosing to continue with her work despite challenging circumstances.
